Mysterious Beauty (Entriprize Records 737885594828, 2013)
Mysterious Beauty is an instrumental album by a Portland (Oregon)-area trio called Steel and Glass. With a format of chapman stick, electric guitar and drums the group presents a fabulous mix of musical skill, nuance and various influences ranging from Eric Johnson’s guitar style to modern King Crimson.
Steel and Glass was born when two accomplished players joined forces: Steve Gajdos, a bass player and Chapman stickist with 15 years of experience in multiple genres and Darrell Grey, a world traveled drummer, who played with many band’s touring internationally and beyond.
Gajdos and Grey had played together in the Portland instrumental pop group “Wundersound” and rapidly formed a tight bass and drum connection. At the same time, Steve Gajdos played with Portland progressive rock guitarist and composer Jon Fox. The two played together on and off for almost two years while in search of a drummer when Steve brought Jon into the drum duo mix to complete the musical picture that is Steel and Glass.
The three musicians play engaging pieces where guitars and Chapman stick intertwine beautifully, crafting melodies with a focus on feeling and expression rather than technique.
Mysterious Beauty is an inspired indie release that will appeal to progressive rock and instrumental rock fans alike.